Panelists at the Every Child Thrives Festival in Chicago on June 23 explored strategies for building a brighter future for children and families amidst current societal divisions.
Nat Kendall-Taylor, CEO of FrameWorks Institute, a think tank focused on social issues, stated that the solution to division lies in developing "capacity" rather than compromise. He emphasized the importance of acquiring skills necessary for engaging in conversations across different viewpoints. Kendall-Taylor noted that while divisions can impede the broad support needed for changes benefiting children and families, people actually share more commonalities than is often perceived.
Kate Carney, Deputy Director of More in Common US, a research organization studying societal divisions, suggested that the emphasis on polarization is driven by media narratives. "Division sells," Carney said, indicating that individuals with the most divisive views often receive the most public attention, shaping the overall narrative.
A pervasive sense of hopelessness can hinder efforts to create communities offering opportunity for every child and family. One proposed approach involves learning leadership skills to engage directly across ideological and political differences. Hailie Addison of BridgeUSA, a student movement active on college campuses, clarified that these skills are not aimed at achieving consensus but at improving communication. "A common mistake people make when thinking about bridge-building is that everyone has to come together to agree," Addison explained. "But bridge-building is a skill."
Carney raised the question of how to teach children to embrace diversity and navigate differences, noting that adults' everyday interactions and shared opinions serve as models. Despite challenges, panelists expressed optimism. Carney shared that research subjects frequently identify "division" as the primary descriptor for the nation. However, associations with "community" were largely positive, with "good" and "safe" being common replies. This suggests a disconnect between national-level discourse and local experiences.
Addison recommended focusing on community engagement and starting with small initiatives. "Even slight, informal interactions can really build trust," she added.